Assessment Notes

Taxonomic notes

Why suggested for a Global Red List Assessment?

Peltigera gowardii (Common name: Trevor’s Water Fan) is endemic to mountainous regions of northwestern North America where it is restricted to aquatic habitats in high quality mountain streams. It is endangered by multiple factors including habitat destruction/degradation and climate change.

Geographic range

Peltigera gowardii is endemic to mountainous regions of the Pacific Northwest in Canada and the United States, ranging from Alaska south to British Columbia and northern Washington.

Population and Trends

Demographic studies are needed to assess and monitor populations sizes. Currently known populations are presumed to be stable however monitoring is required to confirm that this is the case.

Population Trend: Stable

Habitat and Ecology

This species is restricted to slow moving, relatively small, cold mountain streams with high water quality and low turbidity.

Boreal Forest

Threats

The threats to this aquatic species are diverse. The major threats stem from 1) changes in habitat (macro- and micro- scales) resulting from deposition of pollutants and ecosystem alterations, 2) changes in habitat (macro- and micro- scales) that are likely to result from climate change, 3) changes in habitat (macro- and micro- scales) resulting from conversion and deterioration of natural habitats both historically and ongoing.

Conservation Actions

There are many conservation actions that can be taken including educating and training land managers and local botanists to identify the species so we can monitor its health, federally listing the species as endangered in the United States and Canada, improving numerous regulations and policies that would safeguard the aquatic habitats where the species occurs, and providing increased protection for buffer forest stands along riparian areas where the species occurs and could occur in the future.

Research needed

The overall distribution of this species is well understood. Further research that will aid in the conservation of this species includes population assessments and monitoring, population genetics studies, and ecological studies that incorporate threats to the species. Additionally, a species recovery plan needs to be written.

Use and Trade

Bibliography

Lendemer, J. C. & H. E. O’Brien 2011: How do you reconcile molecular and non-molecular datasets? A case study where new molecular data prompts a revision of peltigera hydrothyria s.l. in North America and the recognition of two species. - Opuscula Philolichenum 9: 99-110.